Bird of prey

prefLabel
  • bird of prey
definition
  • Any of various carnivorous bird of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes which feed on meat taken by hunting.
inScheme
broader
Abstract from DBPedia
    Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds). In addition to speed and strength, these predators have keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight, strong feet with sharp talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing off flesh. Although predatory birds primarily hunt live prey, many species (such as fish eagles, vultures and condors) also scavenge and eat carrion. Although the term "bird of prey" could theoretically be taken to include all birds that actively hunt and eat other animals, ornithologists typically use the narrower definition followed in this page, excluding both piscivorous predators such as storks, herons, gulls, skuas, penguins and kingfishers, as well as primarily insectivorous birds such as songbirds or birds like shrikes. Some extinct predatory birds had talons similar to those of modern birds of prey, including mousebird relatives (Sandcoleidae), Messelasturidae and some Enantiornithes, indicating possible convergent evolution.

    猛禽類(もうきんるい)は、鋭い爪と嘴を持ち、他の動物を捕食(または腐肉食)する習性のある鳥類の総称。獲物を捕まえるための鋭い爪、掴む力が強い趾(あしゆび)、鉤型に曲がったくちばしを持つことが共通の特徴である。一般的に生態系の頂点に位置する例が多いことから、強さ・速さ・権力・高貴さの象徴として、猛獣などとともに戦闘機やスポーツカー、シンボルマーク、特撮やアニメのヒーローのモチーフになることが多い。

    (Source: http://dbpedia.org/resource/Bird_of_prey)